Introduction
Our goal is to process your data as quickly and efficiently as possible to ensure customer delight. We invest a significant amount of effort to process the data successfully the first time.
However, capturing these thousands of images might be challenging. Therefore, we created this article, taking into account the best practices that will save you a lot of time and frustration during the data acquisition. First we will share the min requirements for the flight plan.
Flight plan
For the Solar Site As-Built data product we require only visual (RGB). A drone pilot will use an unmanned aerial system (a drone with a camera) to capture the data on site.
Visual (RGB) Data Requirements
GSD: >2.5 cm per pixel. Usually the limitation will be the maximum flight height, depending on the legislation in the country.
Front-Overlap: 75% .
Side Overlap: 70%.
Flight Path: At least 2 flight lines should be outside the boundaries of the operation in all directions.
Gimbal Orientation: Nadir (-90 deg). Capture additional oblique photos for improved quality in case of complex terrains/buildings.
Image Format: JPEG - Each image should contain the following metadata: GPS location, relative altitude and timestamp.
Image Quality: in focus, free from motion blur and with minimal glare.
At least 20 photos need to be uploaded.
Blocks
Blocks cannot be used for this data product, since one homogeneous output has to be produced.
High Accuracy
The As-Built requires images to be captured with high accuracy, either using Ground Control Points (GCPs) or using RTK.
For more information on how to use Ground Control, please refer to the following article: How to Use Ground Control.